A two-compartment mixing and dispensing device

ABSTRACT

This patent describes a self-contained, two-compartment mixing device comprising an outer container adapted to contain a fluid, and having a fluidtight end closure, an inner container received in said outer container, said inner container having an end closure, said end closure of said inner container facing said end closure of said outer container to isolate the contents of the inner container from the contents of the outer container. In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the end closure of the outer container is provided with a projection having cutting terminal surfaces extending from said end closure inwardly into said outer container, said sharp projection having cutting terminal surfaces being adapted to be compelled toward and through the end closure of said inner container by longitudinal compression of said outer container to establish fluid communication between said inner and outer containers.

United States Patent [72] Inventor Robert W. Ogle Newport Beach, Calif.[21] Appl. No. 803,306 [22] Filed Feb. 28, 1969 [45] Patented Sept. 7,1971 [73] Assignee Mix-O-Matic Corporation Wilmington, Del.

[54] TWO-COMPARTMENT MIXING AND DISPENSING DEVICE 5 Claims, 18 DrawingFigs.

[52] U.S. Cl 222/94, 222/90 [51] Int. Cl 865d 35/22 [50] Field of Search222/5, 83.5,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,044,560 1 H1912 Morgan eta1 222/90 1,401,968 1/1922 Dorner 222/90 2,527,992 10/ 1950 Greenberg206/47 2,559,231 7/1951 Seemar.. 206/47 X 2,653,611 9/1953 Smith 206/47X 2,689,566 9/1954 Lockhart... 128/233 Primary Examiner-Robert B. ReevesAssistant Examiner-Norman L. Stack, Jr. Attorney-Finkelstein &. MuethABSTRACT: This patent describes a self-contained, two-compartment mixingdevice comprising an outer container adapted to contain a fluid, andhaving a fluidtight end closure, an inner container received in saidouter container, said inner container having an end closure, said endclosure of said inner container facing said end closure of said outercontainer to isolate the contents of the inner container from thecontents of the outer container. In a preferred embodiment of thisinvention, the end closure of the outer container is provided with aprojection having cutting terminal surfaces extending from said endclosure inwardly into said outer container, said sharp projection havingcutting terminal surfaces being adapted to be compelled toward andthrough the end closure of said inner container by longitudinalcompression of said outer container to establish fluid communicationbetween said inner and outer containers.

PATENTED SEP 7 MI I I I a I l SHEET 3. SF 6 INVENTOR ROBERT W. OGLEATTORNEYS PATENTED SEP "119m INVEN TOR ROBERT W. OGLE ATTORNEYS woamdPATENTEU SE? T 19? SHEET M 8F a n m :25; in

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INVENTOR ROBERT W. OGLE FIGQ-HO ATTORNEYS HSOQWSA PATENTED SEP YIQYlSiiiU E OF 6 n G F INVENTOR ROBERT W. OGLE TWO-COMPARTMENT MIXING ANDDISPENSING DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The field of thisinvention relates to self-contained, twocompartment mixing devicesparticularly adapted for use in the mixing of two normally chemicallyreactive hair-dying ingredients. However, the device of the presentinvention is generally applicable to the storage and mixing at the timeof use of any two reactive or nonreactive liquids or to the mixing ofany liquid and solid.

The most common self-administered type of hair dye on the market at thepresent time includes an oxidizable dye component. The oxidizable dyecomponent is sold in its unoxidized form and it is necessary just priorto use that an oxidizing agent be admixed with the dye in order toactivate the same and render it ready for administration to the hair.Generally, the other dyes available are substantially less reactive withthe carotene of the human hair and, therefore, are less effective indying the hair. For this reason, best results are obtainable only by theuse of the oxidizable dye and an oxidizing agent therefor. The need forthese two reactive chemicals normally requires two separate storagecontainers in the package since the materials are not compatible forIong periods of time when mixed. At the present time, the two materialsare sold in separate bottles. Also provided in the package along withthe bottles are directions for the mixing of the contents of the twobottles prior to use. The mixing must be accomplished by the ultimateuser who is frequently a person unfamiliar with the handling of reactivechemicals. Still further, the customer for this type of product isnormally not attracted to and, in fact, may be repelled by the need forthe mixing and handling of such materials. Still further, there arecertain hazards present including the splashing of the oxidizing agenton the clothing, into the eyes, and the like. For all of these reasons,there has been a long-recognized and unsatisfied need for asimple-to-operate, self-contained, twocompartment mixing deviceparticularly adapted for the handling of an oxidizable dye and theoxidizing agent. The present invention, it is believed, fulfills thisneed by providing a device which is easy to operate, inexpensive tomanufacture, and completely eliminates the need for the handling ofreactive chemicals by inexperienced persons thereby doing away with thehazards discussed above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Briefly, the present invention comprises anovel self-contained, two-compartment mixing device comprising an outercontainer adapted to contain fluid and having a fluidtight end closure,an inner container received in said outer container, said innercontainer having an end closure, said end closure of said innercontainer facing said end closure of said outer container to isolate thecontents of the inner container from the contents of the outercontainer, means associated with said outer container for establishingfluid communication between said inner and outer containers to providemixing of the con tents of said containers without removing said endclosure of said outer container.

In one preferred embodiment of this invention, the end closure of theouter container is provided with a spout means slidable therethrough,the inner end of said spout means being adapted to dislodge the endclosure of said inner container and the opposite end of said spout meanshas fluid passages therein.

In another embodiment, the present invention comprises a novelself-contained, twocompartment mixing device comprising an outercontainer adapted to contain fluid and having a fluidtight end closure,an inner container received in said outer container, said innercontainer having an end closure, said end closure of said innercontainer facing said end closure of said outer container to isolate thecontents of the inner container from the contents of the outercontainer, the walls of said outer container being longitudinally and/orlaterally compressible whereby upon compression of said outer container,fluid communication is established between said inner and outercontainers to provide mixing ofthe contents of said containers. In yetanother embodiment of this invention, the end closure of the outercontainer is provided with a sharp projection having cutting terminalsurfaces extending from said end closure inwardly into said outercontainer, said sharp projection having cutting terminal surfaces beingadapted to be compelled toward and through the end closure of said innercontainer by longitudinal compression of said outer container toestablish fluid communication between said inner and outer containers.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a self-com tained,two-compartment mixing device particularly adapted for the handling ofreactive, toxic and/or noxious chemicals.

More specifically it is an object of the present invention to provide anovel self-contained, two-compartment mixing device adapted to containan oxidizable hair dye and the oxidizing agent therefor wherein thesetwo materials can be separately stored for prolonged periods and simplymixed at the time of use without the need for any exposure of eithermaterial to the danger of spillage or splashing.

Still another object of the present invention is the provision ofatwo-compartment mixing device which permits the ready mixing of reactivechemicals in a closed system to thereby appeal to inexperienced users ofsuch materials.

These and other objects and advantages of this invention will beapparent from the more detailed description which follows taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Turning to the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a sectional side view of the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross section taken along the line 2-2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional side view of the device of FIG. 11 after the outercontainer has been longitudinally compressed to communicate the contentsof the inner and outer container;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the device of FIG. I after communicationhas been established between the inner and outer containers;

FIG. 5 is a cross section taken along the line 4-4 in FIG. 41;

FIG. 6 is a separate partially sectioned view of the end closure andprojection for the outer container of the device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the the outer container; 7

FIG. 8 shows the projection of FIG. 7 rotated approximately 45;

FIG. 9 is a sectional side view of another embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. is a cross section taken along the line 10- 110 in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 shows the device of FIG. 9 in longitudinal compression todislodge the end closure on the inner container;

FIG. 12 shows the device of FIG. 9 after fluid communication has beenestablished between the inner and outer containers;

FIG. 113 shows a sectional side view of yet another embodiment of thisinvention;

FIG. 1141 shows the device of FIG. 13 in lateral compression toestablish fluid communication between said inner and outer containers;

FIG. 15 shows a sectional side view of the present invention;

FIG. lb shows the operation of the device of FIG. initial stage;

FIG. I7 shows the device operation; FIGS. I5 and to in a subsequentstage of operation; and

FIG. 11b shows the operation of the device of FIGS. -117 with the partsdisposed in a manner adapted for dispensation of the fluid contents.

projection from the closure for of another embodiment 15in an Turning tothe drawings in greater detail, the outer container is provided with anouter cover 12. Within the cover 12 is end closure 14. Closure 14 isprovided with dispensing spout 16 having a fluid passage 18. Theexternal threads 20 on spout l6 engage internal threads 22 inside cover12. Closure 14 also has a lip 24 which engages and forms a seal on theupper end 26 of container 10. The closure 14 has female threads 28 whichmake up with the male threads 30 on the exterior of container 10. Theouter container 10 is longitudinally compressible as a result of theplurality of accordionlike undulations 32, and is normally made of aresilient plastic such as polyethylene. The end closure 14 is providedwith projection 34 having four cutting blades 36 each having terminalsharp edges 38. Each blade 36 also has notches 40 therein which engageflaps formed by the blade 36 and retains the blade after fluidcommunication has been established, as is more fully hereinafterexplained. The upper extension 42 on projection 34 is received inopening 44 of closure 14 with a snug, slip fit so that a relativelyslight force can remove projection 34 from closure 14. The projection 34is also provided with four flap restraining or depressing means 46. Theinner container 48 is normally made of glass or a plastic. As can beseen in FIG. 2, the container 48 is preferably pentagonal in crosssection. However, the cross-sectional configuration of the innercontainer is by'no means critical. Container 48 is provided in proximityto its closed end with indentations 50 in each of its five longitudinaledges. Theindentations 50 are adapted to receive the inner edge of thebottom most of the accordionlike undulations 32 with a snap fit. In thisway the container 48 is restrained from longitudinal movement withrespect to the outside container 10 during handling and shipping. Innercontainer 48 is provided at its opened end with pierceable cap 52 heldin place by threads 54.

In the operation of the device shown in FIGS. 1 through 8, the hair dyeis normally stored in one container and the oxidizing agent in the othercontainer and the parts assembled in the fashion as shown in FIG. 1.When it is desired to admix the two ingredients, the user simplycompresses the package in an accordionlike fashion as shown in FIG. 3 tocause the projection 34 with its sharp cutting edges 38 to pierce thecap 52 on the inner container 48. The flap-restraining means 46 hold theflaps 56 cut out by the sharp projection in an open position as shown inFIG. 3 to permit good fluid communication and mixing of the contents ofthe inner and outer containers. The notches 40 on blades 36 can engageflaps 56 so that when the longitudinal compression force is released asshown in FIG. 4, the extension 42 slips from opening 44 and theprojection 34 remains in the inner container 48. Hereafter, the endclosure 14 is removed and the contents of the device dispensed throughthe fluid passage 18 in spout 16.

Turning to the alternate embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 through 12, theouter container 58 is provided with accordionlike undulations 60. Thecontainer 58 is provided with end closure 62 covered by outer cap 66.The closure 62 is provided with a fluid passage 68 in the threadedconnection 70. The inner container 72 is provided with a plug 74provided with sealing ring 76. In the operation of this device, when theouter container is partially or totally filled with fluid, the plug 74may be dislodged from the inner container 72 in the manner shown in FIG.11 simply by applying a longitudinally compressive force to the outercontainer 58. The hydraulic action of thefluid in the outer container onthe plug dislodges the plug. Thereafter the outer cap 66 is removed andthe mixed contents of the device dispensed through fluid passage 68.

The device of FIGS. 13 and 14 represent a much simplified form of theinvention which is adequate for the simple mixing of many chemicals,although it obviously cannot perform all of the functions of the devicespreviously discussed. In FIGS. 13 and 14, laterally compressiblecontainer 78 is provided with end closure 80. The fluidtight seal isprovided by complementary threads 82. The inner rigid container 84 has asealing plug 86 which is dislodgeable into the container 84 by hydraulicpressure. Fluid communication is established simply by squeezingcontainer 78 as shown in FIG. 14.

In FIGS. 15 through 18, inclusive, there is shown still another andpreferred embodiment of this invention. In these Figures, the outercontainer 88 is provided with an outer cover 90 and an end closure 92.The inner container 94 is provided with an end closure 96 having acentrally located raised portion 98. Passing through end closure 92 isspout means 100, the lower rounded end 102 thereof being adapted tocontact said raised portion 98 of said closure 96. The other end of saidspout means is provided with fluid passages 104. The spout means 100fits snugly but slidably in the opening in end closure 102. The fit issnug enough to provide a fluidtight seal, and yet permit downwardmovement through end closure 102 under a reasonable force. The spoutmeans 100 will not slide through end closure 102 under gravitationalforce alone, and hence the fit may be referred to as a force fit. Duringthe storage and in the initial phase of operation, the end of spoutmeans 100 is provided with a plunger cap 106. Initially, the device hasthe appearance shown in section in FIG. 15. In operation, the outercover 90 is first removed and downward pressure is applied on theplunger cap 106 to cause the end 102 of spout 100 to contact the raisedpotion 98 and dislodge the plug 96 into the interior of container 94 asshown in FIG. 17. Thereafter, the plunger cap 106 is removed leaving thefluid passages 104 in contact with the interior of the outer container.In this way, the mixed fluid contents can be dispensed through passagesI04.

Those skilled in the art will immediately recognize that the device ofthe present invention is applicable to the mixing of a wide variety ofliquid and liquid-solid combinations of reactive and nonreactivematerials. Accordingly, while the invention has been described withparticular reference to the application of the mixing of an oxidizabledye with an oxidizing agent it is to be understood that the invention isnot limited thereto but envisions the use of the device in the mixing ofa widevariety of chemicals, medicaments, and other consumer andindustrial products.

The rigid and compressible containers which have been described can bemolded or otherwise formed from a wide variety of materials which willbe evidentgto those skilled in the art.

The outer container of this invention is compressible longitudinally orlaterally, preferably the former. As will be evident from the foregoing,the outer container may at once be both longitudinally and laterallycompressible.

Having fully described the invention it is intended that it be limitedonly by the lawful scope of the appended claims.

I Claim: I I

1. A self-contained, two-compartment mixing device com prising an outercontainer adapted to contain fluid having a fluidtight end closure, aninner container completely received in said outer container, said innercontainer having an end closure, said end closure of said innercontainer facing said end closure of said outer container to isolate thecontents of the inner container from the contents of the outercontainer, the end closure of said outer container being provided with aspout means slidable therethrough whereby upon said spout means beingslid through said end closure of said outer container, the end closureof said inner container is at least partially dislodged into theinterior of said inner container and fluid communication is establishedbetween said inner and outer containers to provide mixing of thecontents of said containers.

2. A self-contained, two-compartment mixing device comprising an outercontainer adapted to contain fluid having a fluidtight end closure, aninner container completely received in said outer container, said innercontainer having an end closure, said end closure of said innercontainer facing said end closure of said outer container to isolate thecontents of the inner container from the contents of the outercontainer, a dispensing spout slidably disposed through said endclosure, an outer cover on said dispensing spout and said end closureand sealing on said outer container, the outer end of said dispensingspout beingcovered by a removable plunger cap, said spout being adaptedto be downwardlyslid through said end closure by pressure on saidplunger cap whereby the lower end of said spout at least partiallydislodges the closure of said inner container into the interior of saidinner container to establish fluid communication between said inner andouter containers to provide mixing of the contents of said containers,said plunger cap being removable to permit the dispensation of the mixedcontents through said dispensing spout. I

3. A self-contained, two-compartment mixing device comprising an outercontainer adapted to contain fluid having a fluidtight end closure, aprojection having cutting terminal surfaces and flap-restraining meansextending from said end closure inwardly into said outer container, aninner container completely received in said outer container, said innercontainer having an imperforate end closure, said end closure of saidinner container facing said end closure of said outer container toisolate the contents of the inner container from the contents of theinner container, the walls of said outer container being longitudinallycompressible whereby upon compression of said outer container said sharpprojection is compelled toward and into said imperforate end closure andsaid restraining means holds open flaps cut in said end closure causingsaid flaps to project downwardly into the interior of said innercontainer, said flaps being cut by terminal surfaces of said projectionto establish fluid communication between said inner and outer containersto provide mixing of the contents of said containers.

4. A self-contained, two-compartment mixing device comprising an outercontainer adapted to contain fluid having a fluidtight end closure, aprojection having cutting terminal surfaces and flap-restraining meansextending from said end closure inwardly into said outer container, saidend closure also being provided with an outwardly extending dispensingtip, threadably connected to said tip a removable cap which also forms aseal on said outer container, an inner container completely received insaid outer container, said inner container having an imperforate endclosure, said end closure of said inner container facing said endclosure of said outer container to isolate the contents of the innercontainer from the contents of the outer container, the walls of saidouter container being longitudinally compressible whereby uponcompression of said outer container said sharp projection is compelledtoward and into said imperforate end closure and said restraining meansholds open flaps cut in said end closure causing said flaps to projectdownwardly into the interior of said inner container, said flaps beingcut by terminal surfaces of said projection to establish fluidcommunication between said inner and outer containers to provide mixingof the contents of said containers.

5. A self-contained, twocompartment mixing device comprising an outercontainer adapted to contain fluid having a fluid tight end closure, adispensing spout extending from said end closure, a cover encasing saidspout and said end closure and joined to said spout by a threadedconnection, a projection comprising blades having cutting terminalsurfaces and retaining notches, and flap-restraining means, saidprojection extending from said end closure inwardly into said outercontainer, an inner container completely received in said outercontainer, said inner container having an imperforate end closure, saidend closure of said inner container facing said end closure of saidouter container to isolate the contents of the inner container from thecontents of the outer, the walls of said outer container having a seriesof flexible undulations in proximity to its closed end to provide:longitudinal compressibility of said outer container, whereby uponcompression of said outer container said sharp projection is compelledtoward and said blades pierce said imperforate end closure, saidrestraining means holds open flaps cut in said end closure by saidcutting terminal surfaces to cause said flaps to project downwardly intosaid inner container and establish fluid communication between saidinner and outer containers to provide mixing of the contents of saidcontainers, and said retaining notches hold said projection in said endclosure after release of compression.

1. A self-contained, two-compartment mixing device comprising an outer container adapted to contain fluid having a fluidtight end closure, an inner container completely received in said outer container, said inner container having an end closure, said end closure of said inner container facing said end closure of said outer container to isolate the contents of the inner container from the contents of the outer container, the end closure of said outer container being provided with a spout means slidable therethrough whereby upon said spout means being slid through said end closure of said outer container, the end closure of said inner container is at least partially dislodged into the interior of said inner container and fluid communication is established between said inner and outer containers to provide mixing of the contents of said containers.
 2. A self-contained, two-compartment mixing device comprising an outer container adapted to contain fluid having a fluidtight end closure, an inner container completely received in said outer container, said inner container having an end closure, said end closure of said inner container facing said end closure of said outer container to isolate the contents of the inner container from the contents of the outer container, a dispensing spout slidably disposed through said end closure, an outer cover on said dispensing spout and said end closure and sealing on said outer container, the outer end of said dispensing spout being covered by a removable plunger cap, said spout being adapted to be downwardly slid through said end closure by pressure on said plunger cap whereby the lower end of said spout at least partially dislodges the closure of said inner container into the interior of said inner container to establish fluid communication between said inner and outer containers to provide mixing of the contents of said containers, said plunger cap being removable to permit the dispensation of the mixed contents through said dispensing spout.
 3. A self-contained, two-compartment mixing device comprising an outer container adapted to contain fluid having a fluidtight end closure, a projection having cutting terminal surfaces and flap-restraining means extending from said end closure inwardly into said outer container, an inner container completely received in said outer container, said inner container having an imperforate end closure, said end closure of said inner container facing said end closure of said outer container to isolate the contents of the inner container from the contents of the inner container, the walls of said outer container being longitudinally compressible whereby upon compression of said outer container said sharp projection is compelled toward and into said imperforate end closure and said restraining means holds open flaps cut in said end closure causing said flaps to project downwardly into the interior of said inner container, said flaps being cut by terminal surfaces of said projection to establish fluid communication between said inner and outer containers to provide mixing of the contents of said containers.
 4. A self-contained, two-compartment mixing device comprising an outer container adapted to contain fluid having a fluidtight end closure, a projection having cutting terminal surfaces and flap-restraining means extending from said end closure inwardly into sAid outer container, said end closure also being provided with an outwardly extending dispensing tip, threadably connected to said tip a removable cap which also forms a seal on said outer container, an inner container completely received in said outer container, said inner container having an imperforate end closure, said end closure of said inner container facing said end closure of said outer container to isolate the contents of the inner container from the contents of the outer container, the walls of said outer container being longitudinally compressible whereby upon compression of said outer container said sharp projection is compelled toward and into said imperforate end closure and said restraining means holds open flaps cut in said end closure causing said flaps to project downwardly into the interior of said inner container, said flaps being cut by terminal surfaces of said projection to establish fluid communication between said inner and outer containers to provide mixing of the contents of said containers.
 5. A self-contained, two-compartment mixing device comprising an outer container adapted to contain fluid having a fluid tight end closure, a dispensing spout extending from said end closure, a cover encasing said spout and said end closure and joined to said spout by a threaded connection, a projection comprising blades having cutting terminal surfaces and retaining notches, and flap-restraining means, said projection extending from said end closure inwardly into said outer container, an inner container completely received in said outer container, said inner container having an imperforate end closure, said end closure of said inner container facing said end closure of said outer container to isolate the contents of the inner container from the contents of the outer, the walls of said outer container having a series of flexible undulations in proximity to its closed end to provide longitudinal compressibility of said outer container, whereby upon compression of said outer container said sharp projection is compelled toward and said blades pierce said imperforate end closure, said restraining means holds open flaps cut in said end closure by said cutting terminal surfaces to cause said flaps to project downwardly into said inner container and establish fluid communication between said inner and outer containers to provide mixing of the contents of said containers, and said retaining notches hold said projection in said end closure after release of compression. 